173: Magical ☆ Pumpkin

"Um, judging by the schedule, it should take about three hours."

Well, the main focus of this modification is installing the 'Strange Water Mirror' inside Memokushi's body.

However, there are several other improvements being made to Memokushi this time around.

To be more specific, there are enhancements designed to make cooperation with Joharis easier, along with upgrades to equipment.

Therefore, as Memokushi himself said, this round of renovations will take a considerable amount of time.

"Do you think it'll proceed as planned, Satou?"

"I suppose... Given Memokushi's habits, he's probably already received the design schematics from Seiryo Corporation, including the mod aspects, and has thoroughly coordinated with the mechanical intelligence here. The basic components were likely manufactured in advance... but still, there's no way to rule out the possibility of some issue cropping up somewhere, and fine-tuning will undoubtedly be necessary..."

"In other words, from Satā's perspective, it's uncertain whether things will proceed as planned."

"That's right."

I may not be an expert, but I understand that storing an item imbued with a rare mod like the 'Aqua Mirror' inside the body requires a lot of complicated adjustments.

If nothing goes wrong, it'll just be a matter of performing the necessary modifications and transferring Memokshi's core into the new body. But if even one thing goes awry... well, it'll probably lead to a chain reaction of complications.

After all, it's precision equipment.

"So, what's your take, Vee?"

"I expect it will take a little longer than planned."

"I see."

"Yes."

Still, if we can trust Vriljaniela's eyes, it seems there won't be any trouble beyond what could be considered unexpected.

If something were to happen, it wouldn't be something that could be brushed off as just a little behind schedule.

"Customer. This data is available for free viewing within the premises of this facility."

"Customer. This refreshment is provided free of charge to guests currently waiting."

"Customer. This is a paid content. However, we guarantee you'll be completely satisfied if you choose it."

"Thank you. Satu."

"Yeah, I suppose. Waiting around is boring, so I'll just enjoy myself with something fun."

Mechanical intelligences approach us carrying menu sheets.

Hmm, the options include movies, anime, dramas, music, novels, manga, radio... quite a variety.

As for food and drinks... there are ordinary options like water, tea, and coffee, as well as soups, and for food, everything from cookies, crackers, and chocolate to sandwiches with various fillings and light meals like rice balls is available.

Paid content includes things that take more time, like massages, as well as substantial meals such as steaks and hamburgers.

Also, there were adult-themed paid contents, but I'll ignore those.

As a cosmic monster, honestly, I'd be at a loss if you offered me human-oriented content like that.

"Let's just play some music. There's a radio that plays popular songs continuously, so we'll go with that."

"Got it."

Vilijanira operated the terminal, and a bright, upbeat pop song began playing from the built-in speakers at a moderate volume.

"Pap, pap, pap, pap, pumpkin~♪ Pap, pap, pap, pap, pumpkin~♪"

"..."

"Oh, it's a song by Magical☆Pumpkin."

Vitamin A! Carotene, bark, inner side, plenty!! Vitamin B! 1, 2, 3, 5, Rock Juice!! Vitamin C! Shiny skin and health! (Health!!) Vitamin E! Bye-bye radicals!! (Radicals!!) Vitamin K! Tough bones, healthy!! (Healthy!!)

"???"

It's nostalgic, isn't it? Since food education is the theme in every series... Sat?

"Pa, pa, pa, pa, pumpkin~♪ Pa, pa, pa, pa, pumpkin~♪"

Um, well, what is this?

It's probably good for education... definitely, maybe, yeah.

I think it's not saying anything weird... right, yeah, that's right.

But the reality is, the atmosphere in the whole room is changing so fast, I can't keep up with my head, yeah, that's probably fine.

"Um, shall we change the song?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that I haven't dealt with this kind of content much before—got caught off guard, that's all."

"Is that so? Then we'll leave it as is."

For now, let's head toward the 'Jichikaneito,' which seems to be under construction in the Sixth Primeval Colony.

It's using cutting-edge technology, so even sneaking a peek wouldn't reveal much—still, I'd like to spare a little attention to it in this quiet expanse of space.

"Ah, since we're here, I'd like the pumpkin juice and the pumpkin seed cookies, please."

"Understood."

"What about you, Sata?"

"Hm? Ah, I'm sorry for being vague, but could you bring something typical from the Shibrasmiss system?"

"Understood. Then, I'll bring skewers grilled with Shibrasmiss asteroid salt and a sports drink."

"Perfect, that'll be fine."

While listening to the song from Magical☆Pumpkin, a children's anime, Vilijaniira and I waited a little longer.

Hmm, a tiny monitor shows a pumpkin-headed little person dancing the line dance...

The creator is serious (deadpan)